V. Joy Palmer: March 2023

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Review of The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book ~

Brianna Kelly has worked at Ballymacool House and Boarding School since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar.

When Brianna unearths an intriguing silver platter in the woods, she commits to learning its origins. Could the handsome newcomer hold the key? If so, their discovery could change everything.

For more information about Jennifer Deibel and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Escape to Ireland! If you're looking for a captivating story that could be an Irish fairytale, then check out The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel!

The Maid of Ballymacool was so sweet and enchanting! Seriously, I just cannot emphasize the sweetness enough. This Irish Cinderella was like A Little Princess meets Downton Abbey. Additionally, the setting came alive with the vibrant energy that is all things Ireland, and I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of history and fiction. Michael's sense of justice and defense of those abused was one of my favorite parts of the story! However, there were some secondary characters whose motivations felt unclear, so their attitudes and actions felt jarring at times.

Brianna's character explored rebuilding trust in people and God after abuse and betrayal. While there's no way in a fictional story to truly portray all the nuances and trauma triggers surrounding rebuilding trust, I thought the author did a good job for the scope of the story itself. Ultimately, Brianna and the reader are pointed back to God's faithful nature to bring life from death.

Three Stars ~ The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel is a charming story with a beautiful message! The Maid of Ballymacool is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

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Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Review of The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

About the Book ~

Two women--bound by blood, torn apart by circumstance--find together that true strength comes in many forms.

In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe's strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. When he dies unexpectedly, she loses everything she's ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham in hope of finding the mother she thought was dead.

Isabella Moreau, America's most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. Then her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, and she is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

As Mabel and Isabella's lives become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden, their resiliency and resolve are tested as they learn the truth of what it means to be strong.

For more information about Kimberly Duffy and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Who loves an exceptionally written circus story? If so, then check out The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy! It's the perfect tale for running away to the circus!

From beginning to end, The Weight of Air resembled a circus -- in the best of ways! Enthralling, beautiful, terrifying, and breathtaking moments are laced throughout each act of the story. The circus world came alive for me! Though these were fictitious circuses, the author's note at the end explained which parts were inspired by the famous circuses of the day. One of my favorite parts was the way Mabel and Isabella's careers in the circus highlighted the objectification and double standards forced on women. Though very different, their experiences proved to be a very thought-provoking way to explore how women are expected or even forced to use their bodies, supposed feminine perfection as determined by others, and how women are often required to ignore or minimize their mental health. Very well done!

The Weight of Air deals with some very heavy things that may be triggering to some readers, such as depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, death, grief, and suicide. However, I never felt like the story was weighed down by these topics. Instead, these common and relatable struggles were brought into the open and illuminated with shame-free light. I greatly appreciated how the author handled these complex subjects and infused love, love, and more love into the conversation. It was a beautiful journey with characters who were neither villain nor hero, but broken people faced with the reviving love of God.

Five Stars ~ The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy is a truly gripping and whimsical tale that will stay with its readers! The Weight of Air is a standalone, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.